The election process for representation on the Welsh Rugby Union Board for the 2014-2017 term has begun, with each of the governing body’s voting member clubs receiving ballot papers this week.
There are four positions on the 18-strong board to be to be voted on this year, two National Appointed Directors to be determined by the postal ballot process and two District Appointed Director posts to be decided by vote at respective meetings in Districts B and D early in September.
WRU Chairman and WRU representative on the International Rugby Board, David Pickering is up for re-election to one of the National Appointed Director posts after completing his latest three year term.
Pickering, who has excelled in his position at the helm of the WRU Board since being appointed in 2003 – presiding over a new golden era of international success – has expressed his desire and enthusiasm to continue as a National Appointed Director and as Chairman.
Ballot papers are scheduled to be returned for counting by Friday 12th September.
“The WRU Board has once again been blessed to have received such a high calibre of applicants for the available positions of national and district representatives and it is with a great amount of pleasure that I welcome each candidate as we search for the right individuals to help us continue our hard work in both growing and safeguarding the future of Welsh rugby,” said Mr Pickering, who is also Chairman of the Millennium Stadium plc, was formerly chairman of the RBS 6 Nations (2008-2012), is the WRU member of the IRB council and continues as a Director of the RBS 6 Nations and Rugby World Cup 2015 Ltd.
“From a personal point of view I am extremely pleased to confirm that I will be standing again for the position of National Appointed Director and consequently hope to remain as Chairman and it is with a great deal of enthusiasm and relish that I look to the clubs and ask them to allow me to continue to represent them to the very best of my ability in the world game.”
Mr Pickering’s key achievements as WRU chairman, alongside fellow Board members, have included the appointment of Wales’ most successful and longest serving national coach, Warren Gatland 2007-current, and the reduction of the Millennium Stadium’s net bank debt to an all-time low of £15m.
The former Wales captain and national squad team manager won 23 caps between 1983 and 1987, he has seen Wales win three Grand Slams and four RBS 6 Nations titles during his 12 years as Chairman, and has this week written to WRU member club secretaries outlining his vision for the future of Welsh rugby and confirming his continued enthusiasm for the national game.
“The strength of our senior national team and its support structures are only as good as the rugby development pyramid which feeds talent into Warren Gatland’s squad,” he said.
“Underpinning that we are always looking for ways to help clubs to improve so I am delighted that on top of our core funding and facilities grants initiatives this year we have been able to identify £750,000 for a new Participation Points scheme. This will deliver much needed equipment free of charge into the clubs where it is needed most.
“I am positive that the new changes in the SWALEC national league structure will benefit the game and thank the many clubs which supported it.
“The community game is a clear priority for the WRU and we have to continue to listen closely to the needs and wishes of the clubs which truly own Welsh rugby. As we saw recently, since 2003 our net bank debt is at a new low, enabling us to develop a sustainable business platform to fund our game for the future.
“As a player and an administrator I have relished the challenges and opportunities this game of ours offers and I feel as inspired and determined today as I did when I won my first cap for Wales thirty one years ago.”
The other four candidates who have put their names forward for election as WRU National Appointed Directors are Anthony Buchanan (Llanelli), Dai Davies (Newtown), Gareth Davies (Dragons), Dennis Jones (Cefneithin).
Three of the WRU’s current District Representatives, who have also completed their current three year terms, stand unopposed and will consequently be installed for a further 3 year term following the AGM on Sunday 19th October they are: Ken Hewitt, Ray Wilton and Richard Gwynn.
In District B the incumbent Board member Roy Giddings and two others: Gwyn Bowden (Taffs Well) and David Young (Llandaff North) – will contest a vote at a District meeting to be held on 10th September 2014 in Cardiff Athletic Club.
In District D, where Aurwel Morgan will stand down, candidates Cledwyn Edwards (Tonmawr) and Chris Morgan (Maesteg) will contest a vote on 3rd September at the District meeting at Kenfig Hill RFC.
WRU President, Mr Dennis Gethin, is unopposed and will therefore continue to serve in office for a further three year term following the AGM.
In accordance with its constitution the position of WRU Chairman is appointed annually at the first WRU Board meeting following the AGM and is decided by a vote of that Board, of which the Chairman must, in turn, be a member.
